6 Makeup Business Startup Tips

Today, we are going to discuss topics related to starting your own freelance makeup business! As most of you are aware, working for yourself as a makeup artist is one of the most lucrative avenues in the industry if you can create the demand. The benefits of making your own hours, determining your makeup salary, and not having a boss are priceless. Below are 6 key tips you should keep in mind as you start your career in makeup!

1. Work it before you run it

When I first started, I worked for a couple different brands and makeup companies to get a feel for what I liked and disliked about makeup artistry and the career paths associated. I highly recommend to start your makeup career by working for someone else. If your first makeup job is an internship or assistantship, you’ll get your foot in the door while learning from established professionals.

It will also help you determine what what to take into your own business. You’ll explore the business practices of other makeup artists and see the practices you like, don’t like, or don’t agree with. You can learn how to create a solid plan for your makeup business and prevent yourself from making mistakes right from the get-go!

2. Fill Your Calendar!

If you plan on building your own makeup artistry business, start by booking as many clients as you can possibly can. In this field, the more experience the better. Doing so will also help you work out the kinks in your business. You’ll encounter all kinds of makeup clients and learn how to deal with them and their individual needs.

3. Create email templates

This is the best advice I could give you! Once you start booking hundreds of weddings, you will realize just how much emailing you have to do. You must then realize that emailing does not make you any money. Well, technically the bridal makeup clients will pay you, but the time you spend emailing them is valuable and is not creating direct revenue. Work on cutting down the time you spend emailing by creating a variety of different templates.

Here are the types of templates I like to have on hand:

Bridal Booking

Individual Makeup Application Booking

Individual Hair and Makeup Booking

Directions to my studio

Prep list for a makeup application/hair styling session

Not available response

Lesson/Consult Booking

Photoshoot Booking

Those are just some to start out with! Of course you will have to personalize each email but having a general template really cuts down time spent emailing!

4. Don’t ignore the grunt work

Allot time in your schedule to spend on certain “unpaid” aspects of your makeup business like emailing, social media management, website management, taxes, etc. Allotting time for these these less-exciting aspects of business will keep you in check. Dedicating a specific time block towards these tasks allows you to not overspend time doing non-lucrative work while also ensuring you do accomplish all essential business tasks.

5. Network. Lots.

When starting out, look up local photographers, hair stylists, wedding planners, florists, dress shops, shoe shops, videographers, etc. Reach out to them! Tell them a bit about yourself, offer up some portfolio photos, and express your passion and willingness to expand your experience in the industry. Let them know that you would love the opportunity to work with them. And tell them that whenever they need a makeup artist, they are welcome to reach out to you!

6. Be humble, be grateful

Appreciate anyone and everyone who helps you or gives you a chance for this will come back around, and one day soon, you will be the one giving chances and opportunities. I believe in a morally run business. Don’t pinch your pennies too tight! Offering your services at an inconvenient time or non-ideal price point is the reality of starting your own business in the makeup industry. You can be kind and care about others and still be very very successful. Remind yourself of that every day!

Hi Lena, thank you for your comment! Our Student Support Team will be delighted to speak with you about our courses and how to get you started on this career path! 🙂 You can reach them toll-free at 1-800-267-1829 or by email at [email protected]

Thanks for your comment 🙂 If you’re interested in becoming a makeup artist, QC offers makeup certification courses that teach professional techniques and include an optional business unit. If you’d like to become a freelance makeup artist or run your own makeup business, be sure to take a course that offers complete business training!

hi there my name is Jackie..i wanted to know to run a makeup business do u need a certification in the state of California. I currently live in Los Angeles and well the only experience i have in doing makeup is by doing makeup to my relatives. But i have never gone to a school or worked at a makeup place. Im interested in running my own makeup business and want more info about if i need a certification in order to operate. Thank you very much in advance.

Hey Jackie! A quick Google search will help you figure out if you need a makeup or cosmetics license to work in your state. Sometimes it depends on the type of makeup services you want to offer, etc. Please feel free to reach out to QC’s student support team if you have any questions about the school or courses we offer!

Hi my name is Mayada, I live in Egypt, I am a self-taught makeup artist although I have never been to school or worked In a makeup place but I have soo much love and passion for makeup and I have seen a lot of YouTube videos that helped upgrade my skills much better which made me start doing a social media public account on instagram to obtain more clients and followers & I would love you to take a look at my makeup profile account (mayadasolimanmakeup) and give me some piece of advise on how to upgrade and grow my makeup business to the next level.